New iPhone announcement expected but still no word on Apple netbook

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Exciting times for iPhone lovers lie ahead as industry insiders are citing Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference on June 8th as the day they will announce the third version of it’s iPhone firmware, as well as releasing details of the highly anticipated 3rd generation iPhone. Whilst nothing has been confirmed as yet, there is a good deal of strong evidence to suggest that this may well be the case, so stay tuned for more info.

While the firmware update is likely to solve a few of the flaws and shortcomings of the current generation of iPhone (with MMS functionality and copy and paste being almost guaranteed improvements), it is also an exciting time for anyone thinking about upgrading to Apple’s latest iteration of their sleek little do-it-all device.

I have held out on purchasing an iPhone thus far for a few simple reasons. Firstly, it would mean downgrading my camera phone significantly from the 5 megapixel Cybershot embedded in my current Sony Ericsson. Secondly, the maximum storage capacity of 16Gb would mean a massive cutback from the 80Gb present in my iPod classic, or the 64Gb in my Kingston DataTraveler USB memory stick. Thirdly, the well-documented restrictive nature of iPhone application development and release means that while the likes of Carling and Zippo can release their own self-serving gimmick apps, the diverse and innovative open-source community struggles to get a look in. So will these issues be addressed in the latest generation iPhone? Well, yes and no, if the reports are to be believed.

With clues found in the SDK for version 3.0 of their mobile operating system, as well as screenshots leaked by Chinese hardware developers, a few details about Apple’s latest generation iPhone are being anticipated. My major gripe, the shockingly poor 2 megapixel camera, is likely to see an upgrade to an autofocusing 3.2 megapixel model. This is still far from the 10 megapixel average found in most dedicated cameras, but will still allow for some reasonable shots. The storage capacity will doubtlessly be expanded too, with the most likely improvement being a simple doubling-up of the 8Gb and 16Gb models to 16Gb and 32Gb respectively. Other hardware improvements expected include a beefier processor, running at 600MHz instead of the 400MHz of the previous models, as well as a doubling of the RAM up to 256MB. Interestingly, a digital compass and an FM radio have also been suggested as likely additions to Apple’s handheld supergadget.

As for a loosening-up of Apple’s application development and release regulations, I think it’s safe to say Apple will continue their currently restrictive measures as they are rightfully concerned that open development could lead to unsavoury applications tarnishing their squeaky-clean reputation. I’m afraid Google’s Android platform remains the most popular choice for independent developers. Still, with the open-source community being as talented and dedicated as it is, an iPhone port of Android may one day emerge…

The iPhone has, from its initial release, been a revolutionary product, and has given the smartphone mass appeal like no other device. These improvements on their already exciting product will doubtlessly allow them to achieve an even greater market share, which will hopefully push other industry players to raise their game in turn. Nokia’s long-held grip on the business-orientated smartphone market has already been shaken significantly in the past couple of years, while Sony Ericsson’s range of media-capable phones are increasingly falling behind the competition.

Unless the likes of Nokia and Sony Ericsson make drastic improvements to their ranges, Apple look like achieving the same virtual monopoly on the smartphone market as they did with Mp3 players a few years back. This of course leads me to wonder where they stand on netbooks: a market which continues to thrive, as well as generate vast sums of money for the likes of Asus and Dell.

As with all things Apple, rumors are floating around about the possibility of a Mac netbook, but nothing more than speculation exists at this point. Given the state of the global economy, a lower priced, lower powered notebook could allow Apple to retain a number of its existing users, as well as potentially enticing new ones who were previously unable to afford the excellent but expensive Macbook range.

While the iPhone and the Macbook continue to impress with their innovative and elegant design and functionality, there is still a large gap between them which Apple may be wise to bridge. However, while a netbook release from the Cupertino giant may seem a logical move given the current state of the industry, they could have their own reasons for staying out of this fiercely competitive game, which may become clear over time.

So, with a new iPhone release likely in the near future, and a netbook release greatly hoped-for by many, all eyes are on Apple at the moment. Until further news arrives, it looks like I’ll have to continue to make do with my Sony Ericsson phone, and EeePC.

Take a look at this article on the Apple 2.0 blog for more information.

Speak Your Mind

1) Apple has already demonstrated iPhone 3.0 software, which DOES include MMS and cut and paste, along with 1000+ developer API’s and 100 new features for users.

2) Megapixels don’t make quality pictures, just large files. It’s telling that you think your Sony Erricson phone is a good camera and even in dedicated cameras massive megapixel counts mean nothing compared to, not surprisingly, a good lens and a large high quality sensor. Cause let me tell you, the sensor in your phone is not 5MPix, so you are looking at cruddy interpolated images out of some piss ant sensor. I would also be surprised if you find emailing and MMS’ing those 5Mpix images over GSM or CDMA from your phone very special; let alone those receiving these giant files. Not saying that the iPhone camera is good, just that your story is.

3) The most successful developers on the iPhone so far have been independents not majors, so you obviously don’t even bother analysing sales charts, or even Apple’s billion download page, which listed all the best selling apps.

4) How does Android remain the most preferred platform for independent developers, I have yet to see an article talking about anyone on that platform becoming rich, though there certainly is many success stories on the iPhone SDK

5) I do not know, but considering Apple is introducing rating based “child filters” in the next SDK the general feel in the blogosphere and newsphere suggests that -squeaky clean- may be on the out.

6) Finally your netbook comments while fair include a note about retaining existing users of the Mac OS, you include the financial downturn as a pointer for this. Well IF a person already has a Mac and they are feeling the pinch why would they dump what they already own to buy a new computer, more so, except for the ultra early adopters most people hang onto a computer for 3 years at least, so perhaps IF the downturn continues for 3-5 years those Mac owners may switch out, but probably they will be more worried about food and a box to sleep in for the night if the situation really does continue for that long.

Altogether, I detect a significant lack of geek in this article, in fact a lack of someone who has even read the news in the last 3 months.

Meh!

james braslelton

HI THERE THATS SOO COOL MY ORIGINAL IPHONE WAS A 8 GB NOW I GET TOO HAVE A 32 GB IPHONE I LIKE BIG NUMBERS I CANT WAIT UNTILL THE 500 TERABYTE IPHONE COMES OUT